Wedding Band or DJ? The Pros & Cons of Each Choice

When you and your fiancé have the inevitable band-versus-dj discussion, you need to think about what each has to offer before signing a contract. Our take? A great DJ is better than a mediocre band any day, but a live band has wonderful energy that you can't get from recorded music. But before you decide, take a moment and consider the pros and cons of each, then choose the one that's the better fit for your party.

Booking a DJ

Pros• A DJ is more affordable than a band (DJ rates typically start at about $500 for five hours; bands are often a minimum of $3,000)• He or she will play any song you want• Can work in small spaces without a lot of equipment• Keeps music going during the entire party with no lull• Is trained to choreograph the reception and make announcements, which means you also get an MC to help with the reception's flow

Cons• A DJ with a less-than-stellar personality can be a dance-floor buzzkill• Improvisation is tough if, say, you need to cut a song short on the fly

Booking a Band

Pros• They make a more dramatic presentation, with musicians, vocalists, and all those instruments• Have unique personalities• Their infectious energy can get people on the dance floor• Guests who don't dance will still enjoy watching the show• Live music is more emotional, which is what the day is all about

Cons• The higher rates might be prohibitive for some couples• No matter how great the band, they can't have the repertoire of a DJ, who can keep a huge variety of music on hand and play guests' song requests